You've heard the phrase "gone to the dogs." Well, the Jones family brings new meaning to the phrase--they own and operate the Cahaba Mountain Brook Animal Clinic. The clinic was founded by their father Dr. Earl Jones, Sr. in 1968, and was later taken over by his son, Dr. Earl Jones, Jr., in 1979. In 1984, the family opened Creative Dog Training, which is run by Margaret Jones Davis and her sons Conor and Damian. The combined facilities provide a full range of services for the family pet, from state-of-the-art veterinary medical procedures, diagnostics, and equipment, to boarding and grooming, and to training programs that focus on maximum enjoyment of the family dog.

Understanding that many new and growing families started with the pet as a child, we've decided to add a new department that specifically addresses issues surrounding pets and families. For our first topic, we'll begin at the beginning:

Preparing Your Dog for a New Addition to the Family

Introducing a newborn baby into your home is a big change for the entire family, including the family dog. However, a baby on the way shouldn't mean an eviction notice for your dog. With preparation and a few good management strategies, babies and pets can be a successful combination. Margaret learned first-hand about introducing newborns to pets when her grandson Cooper arrived; she offers the following tips for a safe and smooth introduction.

Before Baby: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

According to Margaret, planning ahead is the key to keeping your pets happy when baby arrives. Think about how the baby's arrival will change how much time you spend with the dog, how the house will be used, and what you can do to minimize the negative impact on the animal.

2. Prepare a comfortable confinement area or crate for your dog inside your home. Your dog may be stressed or confused by all the day and nighttime activities, and he may be more comfortable relaxing in a quiet and safe resting area.

3. Some trainers suggest allowing the dog to get used to baby by holding a baby-sized doll in your arms. Margaret strongly cautions that, should you do this, treat the doll as you would a baby at all times and never leave the doll unattended, such as putting it on the floor, or allow the dog to use the doll as a toy.

4. Walk the dog while wearing baby equipment, such as a baby carrier (front-of-chest carrier), and/or walk with a stroller.

5. If the expectant mother is the primary dog walker or caretaker, introduce a new walker or caretaker.

6. Introduce baby's room and baby furniture so the dog can get accustomed to the changing home environment. Practice "sit," "stay," and "off" around the baby's furniture and baby equipment. Training your dog to settle down and lay at your feet will come in handy down the road.

7. Get your dog used to being handled as a child might handle him or her--tug on fur, ears, and tail. Again, rewarding your dog during this training is very important, so you can build a positive association with these actions.

After Baby: Supervise, Supervise, Supervise

1. While Mom is in the hospital, spouse or partner can bring home some newborn items (such as a blanket or an item of clothing) to introduce to the dog. Margaret states that it's very important not to just give the blanket to the dog to shake, take, and run. Mingle the scent with mom and dad's and allow the dog to smell it on the parent.

2. Because the dog will be excited not having seen mom for a few days, reunite mom with the dog first without the baby and introduce the baby later when the dog has settled down. When you do introduce the baby, make sure the dog is on a leash because you cannot predict the dog's behavior.

3. The dog's exercise routine should remain consistent with its pre-baby state. If possible, increase exercise activity for the next several weeks--a well-exercised dog will be calm and more relaxed. This is the time you want to enlist help. Both babies and animals like routine. Keeping your dog's routine as consistent as possible makes the transition much easier.

4. Make all introductions to your newborn short and positive. Rewards are very important during this time. You want to build a positive association with the newborn and all the new, exciting changes in your family.

5. As your newborn grows and starts to become more active-squealing, laughing, and crying-be aware that this behavior mimics prey-like behavior to a pet. Management and strict supervision is needed. Never leave your baby unattended around your pet.

6. It is a good time for family and dog outings, either for walks or rides in the car. It is important to include the baby in activities that the dog will find enjoyable such as fun family outings.

7. As babies become toddlers they grab, pull, bite, and put objects in their mouth, so pick up all small objects and dog toys. Babies should never be allowed to climb or crawl on your dog. You should begin to model the appropriate behavior of child-dog interaction. Show your baby how to gently pet the dog, and praise both for a successful interaction. This teaching will continue for many years to come.

8. Sitters should not be responsible for both baby and dog. When you leave your baby with a sitter, please keep your dog in a secure, confined area.

Have a family pet question for our expert? E-mail us at pets@southeastbaby.com.